California Creates Gun Microstamp Database

California is experiencing a new era in gun sales.

California Penal Code section 319110 was amended on July 1, 2022. California Penal Code section 31910 was amended to require semiautomatic pistols to use microstamping technology.

Microstamps act like fingerprints in identifying ammunition cartridges as well as the gun from which they were fired. The firing pin imposes an identifying stamp on the round’s primer as it’s discharged.

This revision only requires one microstamp inside the handgun. This change in the penal code was intended to encourage manufacturers to incorporate the technology into their firearm products.

Along with the California Department of Justice and Attorney General Rob Bonta are proposing an additional rule that will increase the use of microstamping. To identify firearms used in criminal activities, the new rule proposes that every California handgun’s unique microstamp be kept in a record at the Department of Justice.

The California Department of Justice released a statement addressed to “Firearm manufacturers and Interested Parties,” We invite comments on particular questions “in developing new regulations to achieve the law’s objectives in the most effective manner.”

The department does NOT ask whether the rule should not be made, but questions about procedure after it has been implemented. You can provide input on the following questions:

Who should be responsible for providing the microstamp to DOJ?

The department will accept any comments until February 1, 2023 at 5:00 PM.

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